Remote controlled adjustable awning



Sept. 13, 1960 N. A. VETERE 2,952,049

REMOTE CONTROLLED ADJUSTABLE AWNING Filed Aug. 23, 1957 s Sheets-Sheet 1 i l I as I 40 a9 I INVENTOR.

N/CHOLAS A. VETERE ATTORNEY N. A. VETERE 1 2,952,049

REMOTE CONTROLLED ADJUSTABLE AWNING Sept. 13, 1960 Filed Aug. 23, 1957 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 5.

INV ENTOR.

NICHOLAS A. VETERE ATTORNEY Sept. 13, 1960 VETERE 2,952,049

REMOTE CONTROLLED ADJUSTABLE AWNING Filed Aug. 25, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 "III IN VEN TOR.

NICHOLAS A. VETERE Afro/war 2,952,049 REMOTE CONTROLLED ADJUSTABLE AWNING Nicholas A. Vetere, Pompton Plains, N.J., assignor to Arrow Metal Products Corp. Inc., Haskell, N.J., a corporation of New Jersey Filed Aug. 23, 1957, Ser. No. 679,810

4 Claims. (Cl. 20-57.5)

This invention relates to awnings and specifically such as are made of aluminum and employ aluminum slats which are adjustable to provide varied degrees of light or shade.

Presently known adjustable metal awnings are made of a large number of parts held together by complicated fastening devices. Assembling such awnings requires the exercise of much skill and use of a wide variety of tools. In addition, despite the numerous fastening means employed, presently known devices often fail under severe weather conditions.

Where adjustable awnings are made of metal slats the distance between the lateral support members has been limited by the tendency of the slat material to sag.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable awning structure which may be assembled by persons of little mechanical skill.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable awning structure which may be assembled without the use of a large variety of tools.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable awning structure which is capable of spanning large window areas.

1 An object of the present invention is to provide a highly attractive, durable, adjustable, awning structure.

A feature of the present invention is its use of a central support strut for preventing sag in the awning forming slats where large distances are to be spanned.

Another feature of the present invention is its use of a novel slat clip pivot member for controlling the slat member.

A further feature of the present invention is its simplified coupling structures for securing together the various elements of the assembly. 7

The invention consists of the construction, combina tion and arrangement of parts, as herein illustrated, described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof is illustrated one form of embodiment of the invention, and in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a complete embodiment of the present invention partly broken away to show the operating members thereof.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view somewhat enlarged taken on line 22 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows. 1

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view in side elevation some- States Patent what enlarged partly broken away of the central support member shown in Figure I.

Figure 4 is an isometric view somewhat enlarged of the side slat clip and pivot member showing the manner I in which the slat is secured thereto.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in side elevation somewhat enlarged partly broken away showing a portion of the central support slat engaging clip shown in Figure 1.

2,952,049 Patented Sept. 13, 1960 Referring to the drawings and specifically to Figure 1, 10 indicates a top support bar which is secured to a window frame by screws (not shown). Side frame members 11 are attached to brackets 17 at each end of the top support bar and extend outwardly and away'from the window. A bottom frame structure 12 is secured to the bottom of the side frame members 11 and generally consists of a front bar 13 and two side struts 14. An elongated slat support bar 15, more fully illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, completes the supporting structure of the awning. The slat support bar 15 is attached at 19 't0 a bracket 18 on the top support bar 10 and at its bottom to the front bar 13. The adjustable slats 16 are carried between the side frame members 11 and upon the slat support bar 15 in a manner hereinafter more fully described.

As clearly shown in Figure 2, the side frame members 11 are somewhat box-shaped in cross section and have an inwardly disposed hollow flange member 20 formed from the metal of the side frame member. The flange structure 20 serves as a gutter for rainwater which may fall upon the awning and leads the said water away from the window. The flange structure 20 also serves to protect the slat adjusting structure 36 which is disposed immediately above it. The inner wall of each side frame member 11 is provided with a plurality of spaced holes 21. These holes 21, shown in Figures 2 and 5, are adapted to receive the pivot pins 22 of the slat clip members 23, best illustrated in Figure 4.

The slat clip members 23 are formed of a single piece of metal. The clip metal is stamped into a desired shape and thereafter bent into the structure shown in Figure4. When completed the slat clip and pivot member '23 consist of a flat body portion 25 into which there is impressed a stiffening rib 26. At one end of the body portion 25 there is embossed a nub 27 which serves as a pivot point of the slat adjusting mechanism as hereinafter more fully described. The top of the body portion 25 is bent outwardly in a direction normal to the plane of said body portion and then doubled back upon itself as indicated at 28 to form a slat receiving pocket 29. The bottom wall of the slat receiving pocket 29 is provided with inwardly extending ribs 30 which are struck from the body member 25 and which serve to secure the end of the slat 16 within the pocket 29. The outer end of the doubled back portion 28 of the body member 25, is bent downwardly as indicated at 31 in Figures 4 and 5 to overlie the leading edge 35 of the slat 16 thereby preventing said slat from moving away from the slat clip 23 in a forward direction. The inner end of the portion 28 is provided with a 'T-shaped extension 32 which is rolled into a pivot pin 22. The opposite end 33 of the pivot pin 22 is inserted within a hollow head 34 formed on the trailing edge of the slat member 16.

Each slat 16 is provided with a slat clip 23 at each end thereof as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When the pivot pins 22 are inserted in the holes 21 of the side frame members 11 the slats 16 are each free to swing about their pivot pins 22. The holes 21 are close enough together to cause the slats 16 to overlap when they are in closed position. In this manner, a complete shade producing awning is effected when the slats 16 are closed. Since the slats 16 are formed with a downwardly depending edge 35 at the front thereof and an upwardly disposed bead 34 at the rear. thereof the closed slat structure presents a fairly water impervious foil which conducts rain away from the building.

Immediately above the flange structure 20 and below the slat members 16 there is provided a flat actuated link 36 (see Figure 5). The link 36 consists of a single strip of metal doubled back upon itself toform a somewhat U-shaped structure. The link 36 is also provided 3 with a series of holes 37 which are adapted to receive therein the nubs 27 of the slat clips 23. The holes 37 vserve'as the bearing surfaces for the nubs 27 which in turn function as 'small rods, by means of which the slat clip 23 can be driven through the action of the link 36. The opposed walls of the link 36 are spaced apart a distance which will permit the end of the slat clip 23 to be thrust therebetween until the nubs 27 enter the holes 37. Thereupon, the walls of the link 36 will close about the body member 25 of the slat clip 23 so as to retain it in place. This construction eliminates the need for any auxiliary fastening means at this point in the assembly and allows the slats to be applied to the frame with great ease. The upper end of the link 36 is secured to a crank arm 38 at each side of the awning. The crank arm 38, best shown in Figure 1, is secured to a shaft 39 which is rotatably supported at each end by the side frame members 11. The link 36 is pivotally connected to the crank arm 38 and will move longitudinally in response to a rotation of the shaft 39. The shaft 39 is rotated by means of a rod 40 secured to a second crank arm 41 on the shaft 39. The shaft.

39 is provided with flats 42 and the crank arms 38, 41, are bored to conform to the shape of the shaft 39. In this manner, the crank arm will not loosen and turn without imparting motion to the shaft 39.

In Figure 1 there are shown two crank arms 41 and two rods 40. This construction may be employed where both exterior and interior control of the awning is desired. It is to be understood that one of the crank arms 41 can be attached to a rod 40 which is actuated by some suitable mechanism within the building (not shown).

The longitudinal motion of the links 36 on each side of the awning drives the clip members 23 causing them to pivot upon the pins 22, thereby opening and closing the awning. The slats 16 are preferably made of thin sheets of aluminum or some similar material. The slats, because of their construction, are fairly flexible and when supported at each end tend to sag in the middle. Accordingly, it has been found necessary to provide a structure which will support the slats to maintain the alignment of the structure. The central support member 43, shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, performs this function. While the support member 43 is herein referred to as a central support member, it is to be understood that it is within the purview of the present invention to provide the adjustable awning with a plurality of such support members should the distance between the side members he so great as to require it. It is further pointed out that by the provision of the support members 43, the previously existing limitation as to the size of adjustable awnings has been overcome.

The body of the central support member 43 consists of a somewhat channel shaped member 44 having outwardly disposed edge pieces 45. Small L-shaped brackets 46 are secured to the outwardly extending piece 45 0f the support body 44, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3. The brackets 46 are pierced as indicated at 47 to receive therethrough a pin 48. The pin 48 serves as an axle member upon which two spaced arms 49 can swing. The arms 49 in turn are secured to parallel links 50 and 51. The links 50 and 51 are secured at their upper end to a crank arm 52. The crank arm 52, best shown in Figure l, is secured to the shaft 39 and rotates with it. As the shaft 39 is rotated it imparts a longitudinal v motion to the links 50, 51. However, since the upper link 50 is secured to the crank arm at a point nearer the shaft than the lower link 51 the travel of the lower link 51 in response to a rotation of the shaft 39 will be greater than that of the upper link 50.

A plurality of slat engaging clips 53 are secured to the links 51. The clips 53, best shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, are formed of a single piece c f metal bent so as to form a top wall 54 and spaced side Walls 55.

The spaced side walls 55 are pierced as indicated at 56 and 57 for pivotal engagement with the links 50, 51. The pivotal engagement is achieved by means of pins 58 which are thrust through the openings 56, 57, in the clips 53 and correspondingopenings in the links 50 and 51. The rear of the top wall 54 of the clip 53 is provided with the hook shaped member 59 integral therewith and adapted to engage the bead 34 of the slat '16. The slat 16 is thus securely fastened to the clip 53 at this point. The front of the clip 53 adjacent the top 54 is formed into an extended hook member 60 which is bent to conform to the shape of the depending edge 35 of the slat 16. The front hook member 60 is provided with a detent 61 which is struck from the metal of the clip 53, at a point within the slat engaging hook. When the depending edge 35 of the slat 16 is thrust into the hook 60, it is securely held therein by means of the detent 61. In addition, the clip member 53 is cut away in the vicinity of the front hook 60 so that the said hook does not have side walls 55 adjacent the front hook member. This construction imparts additional springiness to the front hook member as the result of which the slat 16 can be spring loaded between the front and rear hook members 60, 59. The location of the rear hook member 59 is such that the bead 34 of the slat 16 remains stationary during the opening and closing of the awning slats. The structural strength of the body member 44 of the central support 43 is sufficient to maintain the rear hook members 59 in axial alignment with the pivot pins 22 on the slat clip members 23.

Adjustable awnings, such as are hereinabove described may be shipped in a substantially disassembled form. When it is desired to assemble the awning into the complete structure, a highly simplified procedure may be followed requiring the use of a minimum number of tools. In assembling the awning, the top support bar 10 is secured above the window to be shaded. One of the side frame members 11 is then pinned to the top support bar 10 at its upper end. Each of the slats 16 is then provided with slat clips 23 at each end thereof. The slat clips 23 will slip over the ends of the slat 16 and lock themselves in place by reason of the ribs 30 which extend into the pockets 29 of the clips 23. The clips 23 also tend to strengthen the slat members 16 and maintain the proper curvature of said slats. The central support member 43 may next be secured to the top support bar 10 by means of a suitable pin. The slats 16 and the' clips 23, associated therewith, can then be snapped into the elongated links 36 in the manner hereinabove described. With these slats held together by the links 36, the pivot pins 22 of each of the slats can be inserted in the holes 21 of the side member 11. Thereafter, these sl'ats can be snapped into place upon the clips 53 of the central support member 43. The second side frame member 11 can then be secured to the top support bar 10 and will receive the pivot pins 22 on the opposite ends of the slats 16. The actuating rod 39 should be slipped through the cranks attached to the top of the links 36, 50, 51, and the rods 40, before the second frame member 11 is applied. The shaft 39, of course, is received within the side frame members 11 as they are attached to the top support bar in spaced relationship. The bottom frame member 12 may then be attached to the side frame members 11 and to the frame of the window (not shown). Additional ornamentation may be added to the adjustable awning by securing thereto the scalloped member 61 and the scroll 62, shown in Figure 1. It will be noted that throughout the assembly of the awning it was unnecessary to do any fitting, cutting, bolting, or welding, in order to assemble the structure.

From the foregoing it will be seen that there has been provided an adjustable awning structure which can be assembled with a minimum number of parts, whichwill made in any desired length without fear of sagging or misaligning of the awning slats.

I claim:

1. An adjustable awning structure for a building comprising, a horizontally disposed top support bar secured to the building, spaced side frame members secured at their upper ends to the support bar, a bottom frame structure secured at its inner end to the building, and at its outer end to the frame members, a channel shaped support member intermediate the frame members secured between the support bar and bottom frame structure, a plurality of spaced openings in each of the side frame members on the support member side thereof, a plurality of spaced clips pivotally supported by the openings in the side frame members, an embossed nub at one end of each of said clips, 2. link member adjacent each of the side frame members formed of an elongated strip of metal doubled back upon itself to form opposed Walls and a substantially U-shaped cross section, a series of holes in each of the links to journally receive the clip nubs therein and embrace the end of the clip between the walls of the link, a plurality of elongated slats carried by the clips and means for longitudinally shifting the links with respect to the side frames to control the position of the slats.

2. An adjustable awning structure for a building comprising, a horizontally disposed top support bar secured to the building, spaced side frame members secured at their upper ends to the support bar, a bottom frame structure secured at its inner end to the building, and at its outer end to the frame members, a channel shaped support member intermediate the frame members secured between the support bar and bottom frame structure, a plurality of spaced openings in each of the side frame members on the support member side thereof, a plurality of spaced clips pivotally supported by the openings in the side frame members, an embossed nub at one end of each of said clips, a link member adjacent each of the side frame members formed of an elongated strip of metal doubled back upon itself to form opposed walls and a substantially U-shaped cross section, a series of holes in each of the links to journally receive the clip nubs therein and embrace the end of the clip between the walls of the link, a second series of spaced clips pivotally carried within the channel shaped support member, links adjacent the clips within the support member and swingably secured thereto, a plurality of elongated slats carried by the clips and means for longitudinally shifting the links with respect to the side frames to control the position of the slats.

3. An awning structure according to claim 1 in which the side frame clips comprise a fiat body portion, an outwardly bent portion doubled back upon itself to receive the end of the slat and a rolled portion disposed at right angles to the body portion and receive within the slat at one end and the openings in the side frame members at the opposite end.

4. An awning structure according to claim 2 in which the second clips comprise a foil of metal having a top wall and depending spaced side walls, a front hook member extending from the top wall and a rear hook member consisting of a portion of the top wall curved back upon itself, said front and rear hook member being adapted to grasp the leading and trailing edges of the slat respectively.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,371,154 Cuthill et al Mar. 13, 1945 2,592,579 Kramer Apr. 15, 1952 2,631,341 Pelligrew et al Mar. 17, 1953 2,647,291 Russel et al.. Aug. 4, 1953 2,791,008 Johnson May 7, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 465,470 Canada May 30, 1950 489,717 Italy Jan. 26, 1954 

